How to Set Up Termux Desktop GUI on Android | Linux on Mobile

Hey, Linux fan! Did you know you can use Termux with a graphical interface? If you didn’t know, yes, it's possible! With the right setup, you can turn your Termux terminal into a desktop-like environment. If you want to learn how to do this, you’re in the right place. This guide will help you with everything—from installation to customization—so keep reading!

What is Termux GUI?

Termux is mainly made for using commands, but you can add some packages to make it work like a graphical interface. There isn't an official graphical version of Termux, but by using packages like a VNC server and the XFCE4 desktop, you can get a complete Linux desktop on your Android device.

Requirements for Termux Desktop GUI

Before you proceed, ensure your device meets the following requirements:

• Termux application (Download from F-Droid or GitHub)
• VNC Viewer application (for accessing the desktop environment)
• At least 500MB of mobile data
• At least 3GB of free storage

Steps to Install Termux Desktop GUI

Follow these simple steps to install and set up the GUI version of Termux:

Step 1: Install Termux

Download and install the latest version of Termux from F-Droid or GitHub.

Step 2: Install Necessary Packages

Open Termux and enter the following commands one by one:

pkg update && pkg upgrade -y
pkg install git -y
git clone https://github.com/adi1090x/termux-desktop
cd termux-desktop
chmod +x setup.sh
./setup.sh --install

Step 3: Set Up a VNC Password

At the end of the installation process, you’ll be prompted to create a VNC password. This password should be at least six characters long. It won’t be visible while typing, so make sure to remember it.

Step 4: Start the VNC Server

Restart Termux and start the VNC server using this command:

startdesktop

Copy the address localhost:1, as you’ll need it in the next step.

Step 5: Connect to VNC Viewer

1. Open the VNC Viewer app.
2. Tap the + (plus) button to add a new connection.

3. Enter localhost:1 as the address and assign a name.

4. Tap Create, then Connect.

5. Then you will see This Alert:
   This connection is unencrypted. Would you like to continue?
   Type OK on the top corner

6. Enter the VNC password you set earlier and tap Continue.

Congratulations! 🎉 You’ve successfully installed and connected to the Termux Desktop GUI.

First Look at Termux Desktop

Once inside, you’ll see a fully functional Linux desktop environment. You can:

• Use a file manager to navigate your system.
• Open web browsers like Mozilla Firefox and DuckDuckGo.
• Edit code using text editors like Nano and Vim.
• Customize the desktop with different themes, fonts, and wallpapers.

How to Uninstall Termux Desktop GUI

If you ever want to remove Termux Desktop, simply run:

cd termux-desktop
./setup.sh --uninstall

This will delete all Termux GUI-related files and packages.

Conclusion

In this guide, we explored how to install, use, and customize the Termux Desktop GUI. This setup allows you to enjoy a Linux desktop experience right on your Android device. With features like theme customization, built-in web browsers, and smooth performance, Termux Desktop is an excellent tool for tech enthusiasts and developers alike. Try it out and see how it enhances your workflow!

Let me know in the comments if you found this guide helpful, and happy hacking!